No external pressure on Pak-Iran gas pipeline: Petroleum Minister

ISLAMABAD- Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has categorically denied any external pressure on Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline or the proposal to revoke the project. He said the project has been delayed due to international sanctions on Iran. He said Iran has completed 900 kilometers gas pipeline from the South Pars gas field to IranShehr. He said Pakistan has completed phase-I of the project and work on the phase-II will be initiated after international sanctions are lifted off Iran. To another question, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said the import of LNG from Qatar will start by the end of this year. He added the government intends to invite open tenders for procurement of LNG to maintain transparency.